Community Perceptions of Valparaiso University

Community relations is vital to an organization. Valparaiso University relies on the relationships within the community. For example, the university has a Town and Gown Committee representing the community and the university. This study surveys members of the Valparaiso community to assess the relationships and involvement of community members with the university. A survey was developed to measure attendance at various sporting events, art presentations, the chapel, the library, the union, and special presentations on campus. The questionnaire looked at how well the community was informed about events and asked to rate on a Likert Scale the image of Valparaiso University from a community perspective. The last question focused on the importance of Valparaiso University to the city of Valparaiso. This research indicated that reputation management is critical to public relations functions. Other research focused on community relations theory and the importance of relationship building. The results indicated the need for better communication between the community and the university. The respondents did not have a strong feeling of a relationship with the university. However, the respondents indicated a positive response toward the image of the university in terms of quality education and reputation

Shock-operated valve would automatically protect fluid systems

Glandless valve shuts down high-pressure fluid systems when severe shock from an explosion or earthquake occurs. The valve uses a pendulum to support the valve closure plug in the open position. When jarred, the valve body is moved relative to the pendulum and the plug support is displaced, allowing the plug to seat and be held by spring pressure

Attitude Changes in College Women Resulting from a Four Year Program in Child Development and Family Relations

The purpose of the study was to determine the attitude changes in females resulting from the four year Child Development and Family Relations (CDFR) program at South Dakota State University. If this program of study has an effect upon students’ attitudes, then there should be measurable differences between the attitudes of students beginning the CDFR program and the attitudes of those finishing the CDFR program. In order to demonstrate that a change in attitudes was due to this particular program, it was necessary that beginning and graduating students in other programs of study be tested and used as comparative groups

The Dilemma of Government-Sponsored Enterprises: The Case for Reassessing Government Accountability

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of The Institute for Regional Analysis and Public Policy at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Public Administration by Jack P. Branum on April 19, 2009

The effect of initial moisture content on the swelling characteristics of Putnam soil

The literature on swell and swell pressure in expansive soils was reviewed. The effect of initial moisture content on the swelling properties of untreated Putnam silt loam was investigated by performing free swell and swell pressure tests on specimens with varying initial moisture contents compacted to a constant dry density. The free swell tests were conducted by allowing the samples to swell freely under a low load (the weight of the plunger and the porous stone in the swelling apparatus) and measuring the volume change that resulted. The swell pressure tests were performed using two different procedures: (1) determining the load necessary to prevent swelling, and (2) reconsolidating the sample after swell had taken place. It was found that initial moisture content of a compacted expansive soil is directly related to the swelling characteristics of the soil --Abstract, page ii